By Betty Luke
A photographer from Isiolo has bagged this year’s United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) 3 Zeros photo competition award.
Mr Moses Thuranira, popularly known as Mosnah, emerged the top in the competition that attracted more than 600 participants from across the country.
The contest theme was Zero Gender Based Violence (GBV) and harmful practices and was aimed at highlighting the role of photo story tellers in ensuring a safer motherhood and access to family planning.
During the awarding ceremony at KICC building in Nairobi last Saturday graced by Sports CS Amina Mohammed, Mr Thuranira was recognized for his powerful storytelling through pictures.
“Your submission was selected for the first place. Your photos were recognized for their illustration of the competition theme and powerful storytelling,” said UNFPA’s Communication and Advocacy Specialist Ms Irene Wangui.
Moses Thuranira’s photo that won the UNFPA award. PHOTO/COURTESY
The photographer’s effort was prompted by his desire to change the negative perception people have about residents from Northern Kenya region especially in the fight against GBV.
“People in other parts of the country think we (Isiolo residents) do not put effort in eradicating FGM and I wanted to confirm to the world that there is a lot we are doing,” elated Mr Thuranira told The Press Point.
“I am so honoured by the award. I did not expect to win because I knew there were more experienced photographers than me. This is the first time someone from the marginalized region has won such an award,”
He urged youths in the pastoralist counties to believe in themselves and fully dedicate their time and energy in bettering their lives.
“I have been advocating for a zero GBV community through photography for the last three years without anyone noticing what I was doing. Young people should dedicate their time in what they do without giving up,” he said.
